UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, is an updated version of his blog first posted on May 29, 2014.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Justice First, Then Social Justice”

Jude 1:12-16

These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”  16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Introduction: We hear a lot about social justice these days.  Without taking anything away from that worthy pursuit, let’s not forget about God’s justice: “the righteous requirements of the law” (Rom. 8:4) that the wages of sin be paid in the form of death (Rom. 6:23).  And it wasn’t us who paid for it with our own death but Christ Jesus; he took our place so that we are made righteous through his atoning sacrifice. Keep that in mind as you read this morning’s devotional.

Using metaphor upon metaphor, Jude depicts a grim picture of those who have become totally darkened and without any regard for God. It’s frightening to think how any person can become so hardened; and Jude compares him to a despicable shepherd who feeds only himself. What’s worse is that in the end, only judgment awaits those who have pursued such ungodliness.

While we do not like to think about consequences and judgment, Jesus did not hesitate to talk about hell. He warned and preached for repentance from sins so that his listeners might have life rather than eternal judgment.  Ultimately, Jesus gave his own life as a ransom for our sins so that through Him, we might have life. The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, so that we might receive forgiveness rather than judgment for our sins.  This is God’s justice; only then can we truly pursue social justice rooted in divine justice.

There are people around us whose final destination is eternal judgment. Without placing faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, some of our friends, family members and co-workers are heading toward a day of judgment. Yet there is one hope to avoid that dreadful day:  to hear and believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let’s remember to pray for those who are still far from God. Let’s pray earnestly, so that their hearts will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Along our prayers, let’s look for opportunities to share the gospel with them.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for _______________ (name) to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I ask that You soften his/her heart to the gospel. I pray that You will also provide me with an opportunity to share the good news with him/her. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 59

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Lunch Break Study 

Read Romans 10:13-15: for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Questions to Consider

1. What are the conditions that can lead a person to salvation?
2. How does God describe those who bring good news to others?
3. Do you sometimes assume that those around you already know what the Bible says about salvation?

Notes

1. The four conditions Paul writes are: (a) Someone is sent, (b) someone preaches, (c) they hear, and (d) they believe
2. Paul quotes from Isaiah 52:7 to describe one who brings good news as having beautiful (nahad) feet. The Hebrew word, nahad, means “befitting, becoming, perfectly appropriate, perfectly fitting.”  It is what God had in mind for our feet.  Your feet are designed to go places.  When they go into the world of men and women with the message of good news and peace with God, God calls them beautiful. 
3. As the society we live in has become increasingly secular and post-truth, people have less knowledge of what the Scriptures actually teach about salvation. When appropriate, ask an unsaved person what he/she thinks the Bible says about salvation; you just might be able to share some really “good news” with that person.

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Evening Reflection

How often do you find yourself praying for people around you who still do not believe in Jesus Christ? Spend some time tonight interceding on their behalf.

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Joel Park, a staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, who oversees its administration. A graduate of New York University (BA) and Fordham Law School (J.D.), he is currently pursuing a M.Div. degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Hope Rooted in God’s Promises”

Ezra 1:1-4 (ESV)

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: [2] “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. [3] Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. [4] And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”

My apartment has a package delivery problem. For some reason, about a quarter of anything that gets shipped to my building either goes missing or is delayed. Some of it, I’m sure is due to package theft, but that doesn’t account for everything. I’m sure you can relate to this frustration—at its root it’s the frustration felt from a broken promise, an unmet expectation.

On a more serious note, so far 2020 feels like a year of broken promises and unmet expectations. The hopefulness in January that comes with New Year’s resolutions and spiritual convictions has most certainly changed or has disappeared altogether. While our journey so far has only lasted six months, there are some connections to be made with the exiled Israelites who spent years living out their own 2020s and worse.

It is commonly held that king Cyrus’ proclamation took place in 538 BC. A complete 70 years after the first deportation in 608 BC, which tracks with Jeremiah 29:10’s promise. In fact, all of Jeremiah’s prophecies from verses 10-14 find their fulfillment here in Ezra! Certainly, God fulfilling prophecy isn’t new. But the staggering thing about this passage is the magnitude of the prophecy. The exile was the penultimate punishment for Israel—the result of decades of sin and rebellion. Yet the promise of restoration is wholly fulfilled here. What an incredible display of faithfulness!

If God is faithful to His promises about exile and restoration (going so far as to use a pagan king to fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy), how much more then will God keep His promises to us? Like the exiled Israelites, we have the greatest of assurances—the Word. Our hope in this moment doesn’t come from our circumstances, political movements, or vaccines. It comes from God Himself, delivered through his Word, and experienced through the Spirit. Hopelessness is a choice we make by putting our trust in the fallible and not in the divine. We choose to hold on to God’s promises because the Word is our guarantee; and that hasn’t changed this year.

So, what are some of the promises and hopes you had back in January? Let’s reflect on some of those promises and ground them upon the truth found in the Word. Let that be your hope this morning because our God is a promise keeper.

Prayer: God, I declare that You are faithful to Your promises and Word. I declare that my hope is not in anything this world offers, but in You alone. All of the promises and hopes I had, I choose to root them in your Word. I ask for strength, humility, and grace as I continue to trust in You and Your Word.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 58

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Lunch Break Study

Read: Luke 4:16-20 (ESV): And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. [17] And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. [21] And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Questions to Consider

1. Are the hopes and desires you have actually biblical? If so, what are some of the reasons why you occasionally lose hope in their fulfillment?
2. According to Isaiah, what are the promises Christ is supposed to fulfill? Do we see these things happening? Why or why not?
3. If Scripture is living and active, do we see it being fulfilled in our lives now?

Notes

1. The scene described in the above passage takes place right after Jesus is tempted and officially begins his ministry. While the people of Nazareth are initially impressed with Jesus, they quickly turn on him—highlighting the difference between how we might want God to fulfill promises vs. how God actually fulfills those promises.
2. Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 61:1:2a. The Israelites back in Isaiah’s time and up to this moment would have had a different perspective of this prophecy’s fulfillment. Jesus does not negate Isaiah, but proclaims he is the ultimate fulfillment. That is to say, Christ embodies the ultimate promises of God and their fulfillment. A relationship with and a correct understanding of Christ is required.
3. Personal response.

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Evening Reflection*

Why do we often act and feel as though God is not sovereign?  Like Ezra’s life, our lives will be fruitful if we take time to read and meditate on God’s Word.  And when we obey the Word, as Ezra did, we’ll enjoy a closer relationship with God. And when we know and love the God who has promised to never forsake us, we’ll have the same courage that Ezra had to commit himself to God’s Word.

Dwell on that thought as we offer up a prayer to the Lord before turning in for the night.

*Prepared by Pastor Bruce Yi, Lead Pastor of Remnant Westside Church

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Jon Kim, a staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, who oversees its college group. A graduate of New York University (BS), he is currently pursuing a M.Div. degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Devotional Thought for Today

“The Faith That God Commends: It’s Not What You Think”

Hebrews 11:32-40

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

During this season of increasing awareness of our nation’s racism, God has led me to check my own racial bias. During this process, I have also been led to check my bias in other areas of life. What do I value in myself and in others that is not aligned with God’s values?

This morning’s passage is part of the famous “Hall of Faith” chapter. (I’d encourage you to read it in full when you get a chance.) When we read this chapter, we are inspired and convicted to live by faith. We are reminded of the great victories and deliverances that were experienced “by faith”.  It was through faith that these men and women acted in accordance to the great promises of God. What an inspiration they are to the Church today!

However, we often stop short of verses 36b-38. In these verses we are reminded of the suffering and persecution experienced by other people of faith. Now, the author doesn’t give the names of these people, meaning they are not remembered or honored in the same way as the likes of David, Abraham, Noah and Sarah; they are seemingly forgotten.  Nevertheless, verse 39 tells us that “these were all commended for their faith”—referring to unnamed saints whose stories of heroic faith we will never know in detail.  But we know this much about their faith: They experienced victory and breakthrough as well as death and persecution.

Applying this finding to today’s world, these unknown and under-appreciated believers in Hebrews 11 are like the black brothers and sisters in the Lord whose heroic faith the history never recorded; that is to say, their voices were never heard.  Regardless, all of these people are part of the “Hall of Faith”.

So, do you attribute hardships and suffering to a lack of faith? Sure, your suffering could be a consequence of your sin and poor decisions, but not always; your suffering could, in fact, be due to living by faith.  Answer this question: Who are you drawn to “commend” for their faith? Do you commend only those who experience triumph and flourishing? Do you overlook those who are suffering for their faith? Perhaps we are conditioned by American Christianity to celebrate, as the heroes of faith, only those who lead megachurches and have written many books, or who have the most Tweetable quotes. Let us discern whether this is the kind of faith that God or the world commends.  In the meantime, let us pursue that faith—though unrecognized and beset with suffering—which the Lord commends!

Prayer: Dear Lord, would You give me the grace to live a life of faith. In times of suffering may I remember the saints who have gone before me; those whom the world may not remember, but whose faith You have commended. If I am discouraged when my life looks unimpressive, remind me that my life is only to please You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 57

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Lunch Break Study 

Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13: When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

Context: This is when The Lord commands Samuel to anoint a new king of Israel.

Questions to Consider

1. Why did Samuel believe Eliab was the Lord’s anointed and why did the Lord say he was wrong?
2. Why was David overlooked?
3. Why did the Lord choose David? (See 1 Samuel 13:14.)
4. In what ways do you wrongly judge yourself, others, or even the gospel message itself— similar to how Samuel misjudged?

Notes

1. Samuel assumed Eliab was the Lord’s anointed because of his impressive appearance and stature. The Lord tells Samuel that what he cares about is the heart, not outward appearance.
2. David was the youngest, and likely did not have a strong physical stature like the others did.
3. David was a man after God’s own heart.
4. Personal reflection

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Evening Reflection*

Considering this morning’s quiet time, when you experience “light affliction”, do you grumble, or do you joyfully trust God?  Some trust and obey God and He grant spectacular results; others trust and obey the same mighty God and He allows them to endure horrific trials—but in His strength. The difference is not in the people or in their faith, but in God’s sovereign purpose in each situation.

We, who live in the New Testament era, know the same God whom these Old Testament saints knew.  Actually, we know Him better because we know Christ personally, for Jesus said, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well” (Jn. 14:7a).  Therefore, and more so, we should trust God the Father as they did in the Old Testament.  Pray to that end before going to sleep.    

* Prepared by Pastor Bruce Yi, Lead Pastor of Remnant Westside Church

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on May 8, 2014.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Telling Sign of Someone Who Truly Knows God”

Titus 1:15-16

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [16] They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”

1 John 2:4-5

“Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. [5] But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them . . .”

What does it mean to claim to know God but deny Him by one’s actions?  How can our actions reflect whether we truly know someone?

One common theme among romantic comedies today has become the “fake marriage” or “contract relationship.”  Two people pretend to be in a relationship for mutually beneficial purposes, and a point of suspense for the rest of the movie becomes, “Will they be found out?”  The relationship is tested in various ways, often revolving around the question of how well these two people really know each other.  A girl claiming to be in love with the lead singer of a band (and therefore presumably his biggest fan), for example, begins to be suspected when she doesn’t seem to know the lyrics of one of his most popular songs.  Her actions belied her confession.

With us and God, the test of whether we really know Him may not come down to whether we know His favorite color (preferences) or have His number in our cell phones (communicate frequently), but the Bible does say there is a way to tell: our obedience.  But would obeying someone and knowing someone be connected?

Two thoughts come to mind: 1) I would obey someone if I knew that person was in a position to reward or punish me based on my actions, and if I trusted that person to judge fairly.  2) I would obey someone if I knew that person loved me and knew that whenever that person asked me to do something, it was with my best interests at heart.

God, in being perfectly righteous and perfectly loving, is all of these things and more, yet why is it that we still disobey Him?  Although we know those things about Him, perhaps there is a part of us that doesn’t really experientially know Him as this kind of God.

If we are having trouble obeying God, feeling frustrated in a struggle with a particular sin, could it be that the solution is not more willpower but more time with God, trying simply to truly know Him more?

Prayer: Lord, I want to know you more / Deep within my heart, I want to know you / Oh, I want to know you and / I would give my final breath / To know you in your death and resurrection / Lord, I want to know you more / Lord, I want to know you more  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 58

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Lunch Break Study

Read Titus 1:1: “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—”

Titus 1:16: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him . . .”

Titus 2:1-9: “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. [2] Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect . . . [3] Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live . . . [4] Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children . . . [6] Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled . . . [9] Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them . . .”

Questions to Consider

1. Titus 1:1 and 1:16 serve as bookends for this first chapter.  What common theme do you see? What should Christian “knowing” lead to?
2. In chapter two, what does Paul go on to talk about?  Look again for the running theme.  What do you think is the relationship between the “sound doctrine” he mentions in 2:1 and what follows in 2:2-9?
3. How do the above observations challenge you in terms of your own godliness?  How seriously do we try to apply the things we learn on Sundays, during Bible studies, or in our own quiet times?

Notes

1. When we know the truth, it should affect the way we live.  Knowledge of the truth should lead to godliness; knowing God should lead to obedience.
2. In chapter two, Paul expands on the theme he has introduced in chapter one by giving specific examples.  Sound doctrine is the “knowledge of the truth” from 1:1, and the specific instructions on living that follow are examples of the “godliness” that the sound doctrine should effect in people.
3. See number 1 above.

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Evening Reflection

How were my actions today?  Did they reflect a denial of God or an acknowledgment of Him?  On a scale of 1-10, how obedient was I today?

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Matt Ro who formerly pastored Journey Church in Atlanta, is an updated version (in collaboration with Pastor Ryun) of his blog originally posted on May 6, 2013.  Matt is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What a True Worship Really Looks Like”

Psalm 50:9-13 (ESV)

I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.  For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.  I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.  If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.  Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

Ritual is not bad in itself.  But the problem comes from seeing rituals as a way of feeling right with God.  Formalism easily leads to hardening of the heart and its cure, according to the Psalmist, is a good dose of spiritual reality: God doesn’t need anything from us. To suppose that our worship contributes anything to God or meets some needs He has is absurd.  We need to see that to avoid taking ourselves too seriously.  But we also need to recognize the positive side, namely that, God delights in our worship rendered in a thankful heart and attitude.

Although God instituted the sacrificial system, He was not pleased when the Israelites offered sacrifices without the right attitude.  Formalism without a right heart makes the sacrifices, which are otherwise good in themselves, detestable.  And Micah 6:6-7 is one Scripture that clearly declares this truth: “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

So, let’s eschew formalism; instead, let us worship God from our hearts “in truth and in spirit” (Jn. 4:24).  And when we do that consistently, we naturally move to the next phase of worshipping God, which Micah puts it like this following the above passage: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micha 6:8).  This is what God requires from those who truly worship Him: Justice.  Kindness.  Humility.

Presently, there is a lot of talk on the urgent need to bring forth justice!  Yes, we, as believers, should heed the call and stand with those who have been marginalized for too long.  Nevertheless, let us not forget that all that we do, including striving for justice here on earth, should be an extension of our worship of God; therefore, as we seek justice, let us also be kind and humble.       

Prayer:  Father, I acknowledge that You are self-sufficient.  You don’t need anything from me.  I pray that You would receive my worship and sacrifice from a thankful heart.  Help me to do things not out of formalism, but from a heart of fresh worship.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Isaiah 57

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Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 2:7-10 (ESV): . . . so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Questions to Consider

1. What role does human works play in our salvation according to vv. 8-9?
2. What role does human works play in our lives in Christ according to v. 10?
3. How we to understand ourselves as God’s “workmanship”?
4. What is the confidence that we can have in terms of the good works that God has given to us?

Notes

1. Paul puts works in its rightful place.  We don’t obtain anything (salvation or any other blessing) from God by working for it; rather, through works (i.e., observing the law), we become conscious of sin (Rom. 3:20) since no one keeps the law perfectly (Jam. 2:10), and ultimately, it will lead to judgment.  That is to say, if God were to give us what we truly deserve, then, we’d all end up in hell; instead, we have received His grace and kindness through Christ Jesus.  Paul makes it clear that salvation is a gift of God, so that no one may boast.
2. The result of being in Christ should be bearing good works.  Once we are in a relationship with God, we are designed to produce good works.  All of this is a marvelous manifestation of God’s ability.
3. The literal meaning of the word “workmanship” in the original is poem.  We are his poem!  Perhaps it would be better rendered as, “We are his masterpiece.”  God is declaring and working out in our lives an exhibition of His love, power, wisdom, and character.  He applies the paint in exactly the right places at the right time, in order that we might be put on display for His marvelous glory.  Thus, we are to bear many good works: kindness, love, mercy, compassion, etc.   
4. Paul says that God has prepared these works beforehand. Not only that but in Christ, we are given the “will”, the desire to do good works.  I recall how our mission team once ended up getting lost in the Peruvian Andes Mountains for 4 hours!  On the brink of exhaustion and discouragement, we made our way to a clearing and found an unreached village that had never heard the gospel before.  We were able to share the gospel and lead a few of the villagers to Christ that day!  Little did we know that God had prepared this “good work” well beforehand.  All we did was step into it.

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Evening Reflection

Often, we feel quite insignificant, believing that we don’t have much to offer to the Lord through service.  Have there been “unexpected” times where God has used you to bless others?  Write these memories down and thank God for these “good works” prepared beforehand for us.

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey, is an updated version of his blog first posted on October 27, 2013.  He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Call to Discipleship in the Real World”

Matt. 10:28-31 (NIV)

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

In our everyday living, we are preoccupied with such things as financial security, safety, and even having a good time.  For instance, if we lose our job tomorrow and have no savings, all of us will be very worried.  If our cars were to suddenly break down in the middle of a very rough neighborhood, fear would creep in and we will be praying for God’s protection.  We also know that “God has “richly provide[d] us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim. 6:17); nevertheless, if we are not mindful, the cares of this world would consume us, thereby losing sight of eternal things.  This is all the more so today as we find ourselves amid major crises that can easily make us feel stressed, even fearful.

One day, Jesus sent out His disciples, instructing them not to carry any money or extra clothes; he, then, told them not to worry about their lives.  Why did Jesus seemingly make it harder for his men in their travel through unfamiliar places, especially when needy and dangerous situations were likely lurking?  He was creating an opportunity for them to put their trust in God.  The Lord wanted them to know that the whole universe is created, operated, and sustained by the Almighty, who considers our life more valuable than that of a sparrow.  In short, God is mindful of us and will care for us.

So how can we change in order to worry less—even in a time like this—and depend more on God?  My prayer is that we sustain earnest efforts to know who God is and His character through the Holy Spirit rather than trying to change with our own strength.  The truth is, we will never bear lasting fruits of the Spirit by our efforts; this can only be done when we remain and abide in Him (John 15) and keep in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

So, pray with a deep yearning for Christ; read God’s word with hunger; worship God with passion; and stay humble.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, always remind me that You are in control; strengthen my resolve, through the empowerment of the Spirit, so that I place my trust only in You.  Lord, whenever I worry, I shall look to You and be comforted.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 56

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Jabez Yeo who formerly served at Remnant Church in Manhattan, was first posted on August 12, 2014.  Jabez is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Columbia International University (MA, Muslim Studies).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The True Meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son”

Luke 15:25-32 (ESV)

“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30 but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

While preaching on the Prodigal Son, most pastors focus on the father’s unconditional love…and for good reason! The parable provides a vivid imagery of God’s forgiving love. In fact, a certain AMI pastor’s sermon on this parable during a college retreat was used as God’s instrument to convict me to rededicate my life to Christ.

However, looking at the context of Luke 15, God’s unconditional love, while very important, might not be the main focus. In chapter 15, we see the Pharisees chastising Jesus for hanging around sinners. In response, Jesus gives two short parables that detail the joy believers should feel over a sinner’s repentance before giving the parable of the Prodigal Son. Thus, it seems that the joyous reaction to repentance is the focus of this parable as well.

At first glance, it is easy for us to criticize the older son. How can he be so selfish when his brother has just come back?  However, for those of us who faithfully serve the church, we might be closer in heart to the elder son than we think. How many of us feel a tinge of envy over attention given to a new child of Christ? Or when someone’s vivid testimony of life before Christ gets recognized repeatedly? These questions may sound stupid but I know that such covetous thoughts have crossed my mind before.

While human attention is just one of many things that we crave, we can find our gentle rebuke in the remainder of the parable. In verse 31, the father assures the son that he has always been with him and all the father has is his. In the book of Ephesians, Paul also writes that God chose us in Him before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4) and that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Since this is our reality, let’s put aside any selfish thoughts that we may have and rest only in God’s provision for us. And of course, let’s rejoice over what God is doing in our churches for His kingdom!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that in You, I have all that I need. I’m sorry for coveting what others have in different areas of my life. Help me to be thankful for what You have given me and also how You are moving in others’ lives. Teach me to be content and to rest in You only. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 54-55

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, is an updated version of his blog first posted on June 17, 2014.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Urgency Need for the Intake of God’s Eternal Truth”

1 Timothy 4:6

“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.”

According to Nielsen, the average American has been watching more than five hours of television every day, which had prompted the author Neil Postman to entitle his 1985 book “Amusing Ourselves to Death.”  Today, we (with new toys at our disposal) spend more time entertaining ourselves than any previous generation before us.

In what sense does this matter to us?  When Paul calls Timothy to “be a good minister of Christ Jesus,” he is not calling him to be a good pastor or a staff member of a church. The word for minister here can be translated deacon or servant. The idea here is, whether you are a pastor or a deacon, to be a minister is to be ultimately a servant of Christ Jesus.

But notice here how Paul defines a good minister. Among other things, he is a faithful conduit of the truth to other Christians. To do this, however, Timothy first had to keep himself “nourished” to the truths in which he was “brought up.”

And notice how Paul combines two important elements: knowledge and decision. He says you need the good, sound teachings of the faith in order to walk in them; you learn, and then you do what it says. That is the formula for a good servant of Jesus Christ – giving yourself to nourishing yourself, feeding upon these things and then following them.

So, to that end, Paul would say to us today, Watch what you are feeding on! Be nourished on the words of the faith and the good doctrine that you have followed. What has been nourishing your soul daily during the pandemic? Netflix? NPR? SportsCenter? People magazine? There’s nothing inherently wrong with these things, but the failure to regulate their intake will affect our study of God’s Word. And in a tumultuous time, such as the one we are facing right now, never has there been a greater urgency to dive into eternal truth of God with a receptive and unbiased heart. So, make time to be in the Word today.  To do that, you may have to cut down on what you watch or how much of it you watch.

Prayer: Lord, I want to confess with the Psalmist, “Oh how I love your law” (Ps 110:97)!  Teach me to be a person of the Word, for your Word is a lamp unto my feet. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isiah 53

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Lunch Break Study

The word doctrine has gotten a bad name over the years. Say that word and some people seem to cringe. We like the Bible, but we’re not so sure we like doctrine. So we say things like “Doctrine divides, service unites,” or “Deeds, not creeds.” But doctrine simply means “teaching,” or “instruction.” And in that sense, we are all doctrinal because we follow set of teaching that make up our worldview. What we should fear is bad doctrine or unbalanced teachings of Scripture. Let’s recover our love for sound biblical doctrine.

Read Titus 3:4-8 (ESV): “ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.”

Questions to Consider

1. Paul in verse 8 says, “I want you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.” Why does Paul tell us to insist on these things?
2. What are “those things?”
3. Paul sees a relationship between doctrine and grace. Specifically, what does understanding doctrine lead to?

Notes

1. Paul wants us to focus on these things so that believers will engage in good deeds.
2. Doctrine. He is referring back to what he had just stated, which was that God saved us apart from our works so that, being justified by grace, we would become heirs of eternal life.
3. It leads to us engaging in effective action. Good works. Doctrine is not just a foundation for good works. It causes good works.

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Evening Reflection

What we see here is that the Bible teaches that sound doctrine is the basis for right action and, in fact, leads to and causes right action.

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an updated version of his blog first posted on November 3, 2013.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What’s in a Name Paraclete?”

Psalm 94:16-19 (NIV)

Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? 17 Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. 18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

One of my favorite verses describing God, the Holy Spirit in particular, is John 14:26 where the Spirit of God is called our “Helper.” This is translated from a Greek word paraclete, which is difficult to represent with any single English word. It gives the picture of one who comes along side and provides necessary aid, guidance, and even defense (in many translations this same word is rendered “Comforter,” “Counselor,” or “Advocate”).

In an article in Christianity Today, Ian Coffey is said to have told this story:

“The Karre language of equatorial Africa proved to be difficult for the translators of the New Testament, especially when it came to the word paraclete. How could they describe the Holy Spirit?  One day the translators came across a group of porters going off into the bush carrying bundles on their heads. They noticed that in the line of porters there was always one who didn’t carry anything, and they assumed he was the boss, there to make sure that the others did their work. However, they discovered he wasn’t the boss; he had a special job. He was there should anyone fall over with exhaustion; he would come and pick up the man’s load and carry it for him. This porter was known in the Karre language as ‘the one who falls down beside us.’ The translators had their word for paraclete.”

It’s amazing to me that this is what God does for us. Not only does He provide the strength we need to carry our loads in life, He also is our counselor, defender, protector, and comforter. The psalmist knew this to be true about God by experience. God had been his help in times of difficulty, his support when he slipped, and his consolation in times of anxiety. Our God is our ever-present help!  What an apt reminder as we are all facing great hardship right now: as if the pandemic isn’t enough, now social unrest has broken out in our cities.  Lord, help us!  This does not mean, of course, that bad things will never happen to us; but when they do, the Lord will impart sufficient grace so that we can adequately handle any and every situation (1 Cor. 10:13).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, during this time of great hardship may the Spirit illuminate our minds so that we can think clearly on matters of great importance; may the Spirit fortify our hearts so that we do not given into hopelessness and despair. Help us, Lord!  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 52

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Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Cor. 1:3-7 (NIV): Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Questions to Consider

1. What two ways is God described at the start of this passage? How have you experienced these two characteristics of God?
2. According to the passage, why does God comfort us in times of trouble?
3. What is the result of the comfort God gives us through one another?

Notes

1. “Father of compassion” and “God of all comfort.” – As believers we get to experience God as a father who is compassionate toward us. We also get to experience God as our source of comfort in times of difficulty and trials.
2. “…so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” – As God extends his compassion toward us, we are to extend that same compassion toward others who may be going through difficult times. One of the major ways the Spirit of God comforts and encourages us is through one another.
3. “patient endurance.” – The comfort we extend to those in times of difficulty enables them to patiently endure. Without the support of a spiritual community, it is very difficult to endure trying times. But as we support each other, God is able to use difficult circumstances to sanctify us, making us more like Christ, and we’re able to withstand the process.

Are you in need of comfort today? Pray and ask God to be your comforter. Ask Him to send brothers/sisters along who can encourage you as they’ve been encouraged in their times of difficulty. Maybe there are some around you who could use your comfort. Pray and ask God to identify them to you and reach out to them as the Spirit leads.

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Evening Reflection

Spend some time thanking God for the help he has provided you. Remember seasons of difficulty when God provided comfort or times of transition when God provided guidance or times of weariness when God provided strength. Regardless of the form it took, the help we received in all of those times was from our loving God.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 23, 2014, is prepared by Pastor Jason Sato who is currently serving in Japan as a missionary.  Jason is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“What is the Difference Between a Salesman and a Friend?

Galatians 5:13-15 (ESV)

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. [14] For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

I remember having a humorous conversation with one of the AMI pastors about one of his disciples. He spoke of how proud he was of the work his disciple was doing, adding at the end, “But every time he does something well, I give him a hard time a little later…just to keep him on his toes.”

While this pastor was just joking around, we all have a suspicion in the back of our minds that everyone needs a healthy dose of fear to keep them in line. As the apostle Paul continues to exhort the Galatians to embrace faith and reject circumcision, he faces an inevitable question: If salvation is by faith and there is no fear of punishment, why would anyone live a righteous life or serve others?

This line of thinking assumes that grace frees us to be even more self-absorbed than ever before.  But Paul encourages the Galatians to use their freedom to serve one another, not “as an opportunity for the flesh” (v. 13). Surprisingly, freedom from earning God’s approval by the law actually frees us, not to love ourselves, but to love our neighbors as ourselves.

What’s the difference between a phone salesman and a friend giving you advice about which phone to purchase? Both could be friendly, informative, and helpful.  Sometimes a salesman is nicer to us than our friends are!  But the salesman is giving advice with his own self-interest in mind, while a friend receives nothing from your purchase.  The friend is giving you advice with your best interests in mind, not his own.

In a similar way, serving and loving our neighbor in order to earn God’s love ultimately places our own self-interest at the center.  Our own benefit and reputation is still the motivating factor. These kinds of self-centered acts of “love” ultimately bear the fruit of self-righteousness, division, betrayal, and hurt.

Do you find yourself using your freedom to indulge in sin? Do you find yourself trying to gain your freedom by “loving” your neighbor? Ask the Lord to pour out His grace that you would be set free to love Jesus and your neighbor selflessly.

Prayer Father, I thank You that You have loved me freely and poured out Your grace though I was Your enemy. I thank You that I no longer have to compare and outdo others to try to earn Your affection. Give me grace to live in this freedom, free to love others as You have loved me.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 51

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Lunch Break Study 

Read Luke 14:12-14 (ESV): “He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. [13] But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, [14] and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.””

Questions to Consider

1. Who do we normally invite to our homes and why?
2. Who does Jesus instruct us to invite? What would that look like in your life?
3. Who will repay those who invite the poor and crippled into their homes?

Notes

1. We usually invite our friends and relatives or people who can benefit us in some way.  We invite such people because we can enjoy a reciprocal love (one that pays back) with them.
2. Jesus instructs us to invite those who are different from us and those who cannot pay us back. Answers may vary, but a few examples could include inviting over a poor college student, someone who has very few friends because of awkwardness or even rudeness, or the homeless person who wanders into our church.
3. Jesus will reward us at the resurrection of the just. Often, when we invite over our friends and family, they reward us and we have no reward for such actions from Christ.

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Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. What opportunities did you have to give selfless love to another person? Did you take those opportunities?  Take a moment to thank God and/or to repent and receive the selfless love of God for you.